Being charged with a crime
Overview
If you’re charged with a crime you’ll be given a ‘charge sheet’. This sets out the details of the crime you’re being charged with.
The police will decide if you:
- can be released from police custody until the court hearing - but you might have to follow certain rules, known as ‘bail’
- are kept in police custody until you’re taken to court for your hearing
Your first court hearing after you’re charged with a crime will be at a magistrates’ court - even if your trial will be at a Crown Court later on.
If you’re charged with a minor offence your case could be decided without going to court (‘single justice procedure’). If you get a single justice procedure notice you must respond within 21 days.
There are different rules if you’re charged with a crime in Scotland or charged with a crime in Northern Ireland.
If you’re under 18
Your first hearing will usually be at a youth court. The court will decide:
- whether you can be given bail
- if you should be sent to local authority accommodation
- if you should stay in custody until your next court hearing (usually your trial)